The end of October might not be the time to write an end of year editorial relating to 2018 events. Nevertheless, as our events are prepared well in advance, the FSACCI Board and Team have already commenced work on the Chamber’s 2018 events. Let’s say, for the moment, that we would like to surprise you (next year) with some new events, new South African guests and a new Award Gala. We also intend tackling more thoroughly, some important issues affecting South Africa (sustainable development, BBBEE, political stakes…). We will of course stay tuned to any suggestions you, as members, may have. Please do not hesitate to submit your ideas as soon as possible - now is the time to e-mail our Team with your suggestions for next year.

It is also time, if not done yet, to book your tickets for the Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration. French people know very well this Gamay wine, fermented for just a few weeks before being released for sale on the third Thursday of November each year. The Beaujolais Nouveau in France, and for the French communities all over the world, is not only a wine event, it is also a way to bring together work teams and business contacts alike. We therefore encourage you to invite your clients and your staff for this very traditional wine AND business event, that we have organised for 16 November at Katy’s Palace Bar (Sandton) and 17 November at Alliance Française (Cape Town). This main event of the French South African Chamber is definitely a “not to be missed” party, to open the summer season! See you at the Beaujolais Celebration !

Do not forget to register to our Beaujolais Nouveau 2017 Celebration October the 16th in Johannesburg and the 17th in Cape Town. Join us to network & celebrate French wine, cheeses and delicacies.The Beaujolais is proudly delivered to you courtesy of Bolloré Logistics.Bread is sponsored by PAUL South Africa.

Alstom announced the appointment of Xavier Boisgontier as Managing Director Southern Africa Cluster with effect from 1 September 2017.Xavier has worked for Alstom since 1998. He has extensive experience across the rail industry in South America, and also in Europe and the Far East. He was in charge of several functions within Alstom as Business Developer, Sales & Marketing Director for Argentina / Chile / Peru in 2004, BD & Sales Director for South East Europe in 2007, Vice President Business Development Latin America in 2009 and Managing Director North Latin America since 2014. For this new function in South Africa, Xavier will be based in Johannesburg. Alstom is a long-term key partner engaged in Southern Africa to contribute to the rail industry revitalization, providing transport solutions adapted to local needs and contributing to local economy through localization of its activities. More info

“I am very excited about this opportunity to lead our Southern Africa operations. A few years back, Alstom has won a giant contract for the production of 600 suburban trains here. We are now setting up the plant that will manufacture the trains. This is a real opportunity to develop the railway industry here. The project will boost the country’s economy as it creates jobs, develops new skills, prioritises local economic development and local content and promotes black economic empowerment.” said Xavier Boisgontier.

Congrats to VIE/VIA Grand Prix Awards winners !

On Monday 16 October 2017, Ambassador of France in South Africa, H.E. Mr. Christophe Farnaud, hosted a special award ceremony for young French professionals present in South Africa. These young professionals work under a special two-year contract called Volontariat International (French International Postgraduate Internship Programme). This alternative work contract is open to young French people seeking a high-quality mission within a French company or administration abroad. For the host structure, it is a good way to attract long term affiliates who will share their skills and experiences with South African workers.The awards evening, which took place at the French Residence in Pretoria, was organised by the French External Trade Advisors, the French Regional Economic Department, the French Trade Commission Business France, the Club V.I.E. South Africa, the French South African Chamber of Commerce (FSACCI) and the Embassy of France in South Africa.

Thank you to the award sponsors (Polyglot Group, Saint Gobain and Bolloré Logistics) and Congratulations to the winners: Philippine Wallart of Faurecia (The Grand Prix), Alexis Rigaud of Pernod Ricard (Integration and training award), Antoine Petit of Faurecia (Innovation award), Julien Allard of Imed (Entrepreneurship award), Paul Raso of the Regional Economic Department of the Embassy of France (Bilateral cooperation award). FSACCI is particulary proud of Julien (photo) who is hosted in our business centre WorkIn and received his pride from our Board Member Denis Simonin (Saint-Gobain).

Welcoming a new Director or CEO in your company ? If you want the info to be in this section, please contact us.

Members news

Mazars promotes South Africa in France.

“Invest in South Africa” is a unique event, organized by Mazars with the support of Business France and Medef International, dedicated to fostering collaboration between France and South Africa, one of the world’s most sophisticated and diverse emerging markets. Held under the patronage of the South African Embassy in France and the French Embassy in South Africa, the event will take place Tuesday, November 7th 2017 in Paris.More info

Danone, certified top employer

Congratulations to Danone which just became Top Employer in South Africa. Comprehensive independent research revealed that Danone Southern Africa provides exceptional employee conditions, nurtures and develops talent throughout all levels of the organisation and has demonstrated its leadership status in the HR environment, always striving to optimise its employment practices and to develop its employees. FSACCI members Orange, Pernod Ricard, Sanofi, Total (for 10 years) and ENSAfrica (for 11 years) are also certified since a few years.

Apply for a French Schengen visa from the comfort of your office with Capago

As part of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ new initiative, Capago International can now come to you and assist you with your visa application from the comfort of your office, thanks to the French Mobile Biometric Solution. More information here

8 Exceptional days at Roche Bobois South Africa.Roche Bobois, the French luxury furniture brand has been present in South Africa for 2 years. In 2015, they opened a showroom on Kloof street in Cape Town. That was the beginning of a long and exciting journey. Indeed, Roche Bobois has inaugurated in August 2017 its South African flagship showroom in Johannesburg. Beginning from the 19th October and until the 3rd November, the brand is organising 8 exceptional days. During this period, the brand proposes special offers on all its furniture models. As customary with Roche Bobois, customisation of furniture is possible while benefiting of the offer. More information here

French School Country Cross runners protected by Avene

Gathering more than 1000 thousands students and their families, French School Lycée Jules Verne Country cross was, as each year, a big success. FSACCI Member Avène was on site to warn children and adults about the harmful effects of the sun and the importance of protecting themselves with an appropriate solar protection. Avène also organised workshops to educate students.

Skills development and training programmes In addition to coaching, FSACCI Member Fabienne Perreux is also providing skills development and training programmes in affiliation with the LMI SMI group, an international group specialized in behavior change, management and leadership. They have specific programs customized to SA, credit baring with SETA and inclusive of scorecards points when needed for your BEEE compliance. You are kindly invited to a short breakfast on the 3rd of November. RSVP here

The Member to Member Benefits Program is a members-exclusive offer from one Member of the Chamber to another.Should you wish to include your venue or your company in the Member’s Privileges program, please contact us at communications@fsacci.co.za

Partners & Other Chambers' news

Happy birthday AFD/ Proparco !

Created in 1977, Proparco has been active in South Africa since it opened a regional office in Johannesburg in 1994. Over the past 10 years only, Proparco has committed ZAR10.8 billion (€660M) in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean on projects with a significant impact on sustainable development. As they celebrate our 40th anniversary, including 23 years working from our regional office in Johannesburg, they reiterate their commitment to helping the private sector bring sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits to the region and to the African continent.

6th EU-Africa Business Forum - Abidjan, 27 November 2017The 6th EU-Africa Business Forum will be held on 27 November 2017 in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, host country of the 5th African Union-European Union Summit of Heads of State and Government.The 6th EU-Africa Business Forum in Abidjan concludes a series of business-related events held in Africa and Europe in the course of 2017 in preparation to the 5th African Union-European Union Summit.More information

IFAS-Research Bursaries

One or two doctoral or post-doctoral research positions are available at the IFAS-Research.These posts are financed through non-renewable relocation allowances (Aides à la mobilité) for 4 to 9 months (maximum). Successful applicants will receive the scientific and logistic support of IFAS-Research and will become involved in the scientific life of the Institute by regularly taking part in the ongoing activities (conferences, seminars, publications, etc.).

Atout France, the Tourism in France Development agency, launchs a campaign to promote the 24 Palaces de France and their teams of professionals. The General Managers, the Chefs and the services, invite you to stay with them and live the excellence à la française and hospitality experiences. Discover momentous portrait by the photographer Rip Hopkins, illustrating THE emblematic view of Paris thanks to the staging on the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe.

The Spanish Chamber invites you and your business associates to a breakfast seminar, Thursday 23th November aiming to provide attendees with a national, provincial and municipal overview of existing and upcoming business opportunities in the South African water sector.

Thank you to all sponsors (Vopak, Air France-KLM, AMSOL, Pernod Ricard, Heineken, Bos, L’Oréal, Avène & Investec) and players who made our commun 12th October Golf day with the Neederlands Chamber (SANEC) a success.

Peter Leon, Partner @Herbert Smith Freehills LLP was the speaker of our first Legal Commitee about "Investments Protection in South Africa" on October the 19th.

Angelika Yakovchuk, Director at WerthSchroeder and Hans Kroll from IBN were the speakers of our Immigration Workshop on October the 5th. Thanks to Angelika, VFS (Departement of Home Affairs in South Africa partner) was there to present its special offer to our members.